# On the Historical Foundation of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the ancient provenance of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its profound, unbroken connection to the history of England and Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to reaffirm the historical continuity that underpins its present-day responsibilities. The occasion for this statement is not a single event, but rather a perpetual duty of stewardship: to remember, to honour, and to carry forward a legacy forged in the crucible of the Norman Conquest.
This formal communication serves to illuminate the lineage that connects the current House, under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to its first Baron nearly one thousand years ago. It is a moment to look back with reverence, the better to look forward with purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, its creation a direct consequence of the Norman Conquest. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror initiated a sweeping reorganisation of land tenure. It was during this monumental shift that the Barony of Brattleby was granted to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal follower of the new King.
This grant is immortalised in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey unparalleled in medieval Europe. The entry for Brattleby documents its assets and confirms its status as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein in Lincolnshire. This record provides an unbroken, verifiable link from the eleventh century to the present day, making the Barony a rare survivor of England’s formative years.
Over nine centuries, the title has passed through some of the most formidable figures in English history. The stewardship of Brattleby has been entrusted not only to soldiers and courtiers but also to leaders who shaped the nation. It is this formidable heritage that informs the ethos of the House today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern House stands on the shoulders of giants, a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions resonate through its history. Among the most notable are:
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness**, who inherited the title in the late twelfth century. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army during the First Barons' War, a feat that proved critical in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
**Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron**, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, his tenure elevated the Barony's association with the highest echelons of the English nobility and The Crown.
**John of Gaunt, 11th Baron**, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. As one of the most powerful and wealthy men of his age, his stewardship of Brattleby placed the Barony at the very centre of royal power and Lancastrian influence during the late fourteenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony is maintained through strict adherence to the ancient protocols of English peerage law. Succession is determined by the specific terms of the original grant, a system that has ensured its integrity across generations, conflicts, and dynasties.
The formal recognition of the Barony in the modern era is a matter of public record, confirmed by The Crown through established legal and ceremonial channels. This protocol culminated in the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
This notice, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the contemporary testament to a right first granted by William the Conqueror. It is the modern manifestation of a tradition that has governed the Barony’s existence since its inception, ensuring that its history is both honoured and legally secured.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a symbolic shorthand for its values.
The principal motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its enduring philosophy. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ underscores the commitment to duty, integrity, and service that is the *sine qua non* of noble responsibility.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the current House: a drive to achieve, to innovate, and to ensure the Barony's legacy is not merely preserved but actively advanced through meaningful contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House translates these historical values into tangible, modern action through its dedicated philanthropic work. The concept of honour is interpreted as a profound responsibility to serve the wider community, particularly its most vulnerable members.
The House’s foremost philanthropic initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen charitable beneficiary. The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true strength lies in protecting the defenceless and that the honour of a legacy is best measured by its positive impact on the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's long history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. From Colswein’s original grant to the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye, our primary duty is to honour that formidable legacy through dedicated service in the present day.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the foundation, but a house must also build for the future. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the spirit of renewal and purpose we bring to our duties, ensuring this ancient barony continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come. The future of the Barony rests with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the duties and history he will one day inherit.
The House’s commitment extends beyond its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire. Through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, the House works to share the principles of honour, respect, and cultural diplomacy on an international stage. This work ensures that the values forged in 1066 continue to find contemporary relevance and expression.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to marrying its ancient heritage with a modern focus on philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. The House actively upholds its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through contemporary service. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette and social grace. The heir to the Barony is the young Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who represents the future of this nine-century-old lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a Norman barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the lordship of Brattleby among 56 other manors. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of a king and father of another. The ancient rights and title of the Barony are formally and officially recognised in the modern era, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's creation in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com